The initial testing was started on the ScaleTrains “Operator” BNSF SD40-2 engine.
this include the part 2, nominal engine weight cleaned adjusted and tuned activity and part 3 which adds three weight increments.
the process is as follows:
1- run engine only standard DC tests at zero grade. This has been accomplished for all four weight increments.
2 the standard G&TL tests are to be run at 2.5% grade at all four weights
3 the G&TL tests run at 4% grade For all four weights
4 G&TL tests at 7% grade for all four weights
5 G&TL Tests at 11% grade
the first four steps have been completed. The fifth is set up and likely will be completed in the next day.
several significant improvements have been demonstrated. These include the draw bar force increasing and the number of cars in every case so far. The data needs to be examined to say more. It appears that the larger weight is showing diminishing benefit as the grade increases. The large weight did pull 50 cars up the 2.5% grade.
this engine may be the last that third weight increment is used. The four weights increments are- base, +5.5 oz, +11 oz & +16 oz. the likely hood of actually adding the last 5 oz is low. That means the testing with that final increment is academic, fills in the curves. However, it has the largest number of test points, taking time for questionable value.
after this engine, the Atlas Kato RS-11 will be run through these tests after it was given the CAT treatment.
Stay tuned, results are really looking interesting. Thanks for looking.
